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National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners hold their National Prescription Take Back Day in late April and October. Visit the National Prescription Take Back Day site for dates, times, and locations.

This free, anonymous, no questions asked initiative prevents pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. It also addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high—more Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
 

Find a collection site

Find a nearby year-round collection site by visiting the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.